Disappointing Teleportation Magic ~ Even Though The Movement Distance Is Only 1 Millimeter, I Will Rise Through Ingenuity ~ - Chapter 54.2

“Then they told me Pedrada’s female relative had also fallen victim to Yuto and ended her own life. They asked me to assassinate you, saying that since I could get close to you, I was the only one who could do it.”

What Pedrada told Tariq was obviously a lie, but it’s true that I’ve been having a relationship with Araseli, who is a maid.

The soldiers know about it, and it may have spread as a rumor.

If so, the rumor could easily be twisted into a story where she’s being forced into the relationship, even though it’s consensual.

“They said I didn’t need to kill you outright, just hurt you a little. If I dropped the weapon and didn’t resist, I wouldn’t be killed, and they’d pull some strings from behind the scenes to help me escape.”

“And you believed that?”

“I told them I didn’t think Yuto was that kind of person, but then they said I must be part of the plot to overthrow the monarchy too. They threatened that if I didn’t cooperate, I’d be thrown in prison, and my family would lose Pedrada’s support and be kicked out of the dormitory.”

“Damn! How despicable…”

“Hey, Yuto, what Pedrada said… it was all lies, right?”

Tariq glanced briefly at Araseli before asking me.

“Of course. I intend to marry Araseli.”

“What? Marry?”

“Yeah, we do things like that, but it’s mutual consent.”

“No way…”

“I don’t know what you’re thinking, Tariq, but the wyvern hunt was no joke. Several people who went with us were killed, and we nearly died many times too. Araseli may be working as a maid, but she’s actually my bodyguard. She’s more skilled in martial arts than I am, and she joined the hunt as well. We’ve faced death together more times than I can count.”

“Is that so…? If she’s stronger than you, there’s no way you could have forced her.”

Tariq seemed convinced, but what was he thinking as he looked at Araseli?

If he keeps staring at her like that, I might just cut this meal short and have him thrown into a cell.

“Still, I never imagined the second prince’s faction would go so far as to use Tariq. I’m sorry for dragging you into this mess.”

“It’s not Yuto’s fault, it’s all because of them… No, it’s my fault for not having the power to save my family from danger.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. A wyvern is like a natural disaster. No one can handle something like that. Even the castle is in ruins here and there.”

“Even so, if I had sent more money home, we wouldn’t have had to rely on those people.”

Tariq’s face was etched with deep regret, but I couldn’t bring myself to think it was his responsibility.

“Still, I’m glad Yuto is still Yuto. And, at the end of my life, I got to eat such a delicious meal.”

“What are you talking about? You were tricked and came here with a weapon. As long as we explain the situation, it shouldn’t be a problem. Once my treatment of His Highness Alberic is finished, I’ll be able to go out more freely. Let’s go eat together again.”

I thought of challenging him to another spicy food contest, but Tariq shook his head in disbelief.

“What are you talking about, Yuto? A commoner almost assassinated a noble. At best, it’s death or being reduced to slavery.”

“Huh? Reduced to slavery, at best?”

I turned my gaze to Araseli, thinking it was a joke, but she nodded in agreement.

“No way… isn’t there anything we can do?”

“The only way to avoid slavery is for you to die.”

“No, that’s not what I meant. If he dies, there’s no point in avoiding slavery!”

“Please calm down, Yuto-sama.”

“Even if you tell me to calm down, how can I when Tariq, who saved my life…”

“Yuto-sama, we do not mean actual death.”